Clonal seed production technology - alluring prospects for temperate mulberry genotypes

摘要

Sericulture is being practised in Kashmir for decades. Also, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) is the only exclusive bivoltine area and a leading producer of bivoltine silk among the North Indian states of the country. The region indeed forms an important belt for sericulture. The oldest historical chronicle of Kashmir, Raj Tarangni also provides a reference to silk in Kashmir. The state offers immense scope for increasing the production of high grade bivoltine silk. Presently, raw silk production in J&K is around 115 metric tonnes (mt)/yr (2011–12) as against 102 mt/yr in 2006–07, with an increase of 12.75%. Sericulture is an important component of the state economy, besides tourism. Kashmir valley, with temperate climate offers a salubrious environment for production of bivoltine silk. Rearing of livestock, production and manufacture of handicrafts, shawls, carpets and embroidery also contribute to the state economy.